Lorraine Kelly halts show to share heartbreaking death of ITV co-star

Lorraine Kelly had to share the sad news of the passing of one of her co-stars on Monday morning, as she took a moment to remember the late singer on her ITV show

Lorraine Kelly had to interrupt her ITV show on Monday morning with the heartbreaking news that a colleague from her Change + Check Choir had died. The Scottish presenter sorrowfully broke the news post-advertisements, revealing to viewers that choir member Heather Sawyer lost her battle with secondary breast cancer.

The choir was established on the ITV show to celebrate five years of Lorraine's campaign for breast checking. With the support of musician Joss Stone, they released their debut track "Golden" in 2023.

Heather Sawyer, part of the choir, faced terminal Stage 4 cancer and passed away on October 5, as reported by her husband via social media.

Lorraine addressed the audience saying, "I'm very sorry to have to share some sad news this morning. One of our amazing singers, Heather Sawyer, has died from secondary breast cancer. Heather was only 50 years old, an astonishing woman."

Lorraine continued, noting Heather's devotion to the group: "She was such a huge part of the choir, so passionate about everything. Amazing.", reports the Mirror.

Dr Hilary, present on the show, joined in the tributes stating, "Wonderful lady. She sang at the Palladium with the choir, to celebrate the Change + Check campaign."

Heather's spouse, Lee, paid tribute online: "Shortly before 1am this morning 5th October Heather lost her fight to cancer and took her last breaths and passed away peacefully. We know just how many people have followed Heather's journey and how many lives she has touched from the sheer volume of messages, voice notes, the flood of the #hevupsocials hashtag.."

The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude, saying: "We as a family want to firstly thank each and every one of you beautiful people who have visited, sent well wishes and thought of Heather during this time. It has not gone unnoticed and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of you as you all made her know just how loved she was in her final days."

They added that Heather's cancer had progressed to the left side of her brain, and she was transferred to a hospice for end-of-life care. Heather, a 50 year old grandmother of 11, had bravely undergone a mastectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in her fight against the disease.